NFPA 80 AND CODE CHANGES TO FIRE RATED DOORS
CSC CONFERENCE 2013 - CALGARY ALBERTA MAY 22 - 26, 2013
Introduction
• Industry Member since 1984 • Architectural Hardware Consultant
1989 • Fire Door Assembly Inspector 2010 • Instructor of the FDAI-600 Course
2012 • Committee Chairperson of the
Canadian FDAI Program
Awareness
• To be a source of information through awareness campaign that targets:
• Code Officials • Fire Officials • AHJs • Architects and Building Owners • School Officials/Administrators (K-12, college
campuses)
Wikipedia Quotes
• An emergency exit in a structure is a special exit for emergencies such as a fire: the combined use of regular and special exits allows for faster evacuation, while it also provides an alternative if the route to the regular exit is blocked by fire, etc
• Knowing where the emergency exits are in buildings can save your life.
• Some buildings, such as schools, have fire drills to practice using emergency exits.
Wikipedia Quotes
• Many disasters could have been prevented if people had known where fire escapes were, and if emergency exits had not been blocked or in proper working order.
• For example, in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, some of the emergency exits inside the building were inaccessible, while others were locked.
• In the Stardust Disaster and the 2006 Moscow hospital fire the emergency exits were locked and most windows barred shut.
• In the case of the Station Nightclub, the premises was over capacity the night fire broke out, the front exit was not designed well (right outside the door, the concrete approach split 90 degrees and a railing ran along the edge, and an emergency exit swung inward, not outward as code requires).
Fire-Door AHJ Training Program
• “This is an important step in helping
local officials understand what to look for when they are approving the installation and on-going maintenance of fire-rated doors.” - Bert Polk, retired South Carolina State Fire
Marshal.
Annual Inspection of Fire Door Assemblies…
• Who Is Going To Do These
Inspections and When? – Paragraph 5-2.3, Functional Testing
• Individuals who are KNOWLEDGEABLE about the openings being inspected
– Paragraph 5-2.1, ‘…not less than annually, and a written record of the inspection shall be kept for inspection by the AHJ.’
Agenda
• NFPA 80 Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 –Background information
• Fire-Rated Doors and Labels • Fire-Rated Glass and Glazing • Overview of Fire-Rated Door
Hardware • Annual Inspection Requirements of
NFPA 80 Chapter 5 – Care and Maintenance
Setting the Stage for Major Change - Why?
• Station Night Club -- 2003 – Warwick, RI -100 died
• MGM Grand -- 1980 – Las Vegas – 85 killed, 700 injured
• Villa Ste Genevieve - 1996 – Ste. Genevieve, Que. - 7 killed
10 deadliest public assembly fires in U.S. history
1. Iroquis Theater, Chicago, IL - December 30, 1903 - Deaths: 602
2. Coconut Grove Nightclub, Boston, MA - November 28, 1942 - Deaths: 492
3. Conway's Theater, Brooklyn, NY - December 5, 1876 - Deaths: 285
4. Rhythm Club dance hall, Nathez, MS - April 23, 1940 - Deaths: 207
5. Rhoads Opera House, Boyertown, PA - January 13, 1908 - Deaths: 170
6. Ringling and Bailey Bros. Circus Tent , Hartford, CT - July 6, 1944 - Deaths: 168
7. Beverly Hills Supper Club, Southgate, KY - May 28, 1977 - Deaths: 165
8. The Station Nightclub, W. Warwick, RI - February 20, 2003 - Deaths: 100
9. Happy Land Social Club, Bronx, NY - March 25, 1990 - Deaths: 87
10. Richmond Theatre, Richmond, VA - December 26, 1811 - Deaths: 72
Codes vs. Standards
• Codes are Intended to be Adopted as Legal Documents – Enforceable as Laws
• Standards are Intended to be Used
to Meet the Requirements of Codes – Unenforceable until REFERENCED by a
CODE.
NFPA 80 – 2007 Edition
• Establishes Basic Requirements for New Fire-Rated Door Assemblies
• Establishes Care and Maintenance Requirements
Fire Door Inspection Background
• Fire Doors are governed by the building code and NFPA throughout design, specification, installation and occupancy permitting.
Other Codes and Standards
• ANSI/ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable
Buildings and Facilities (2003 edition) • NBCC – Section 3.8 Barrier Free Design,
3.8.3.3 7) & 8) • May Exceed 5 lb. Opening Force to
Achieve Positive Latching • Ontarians with Disabilities Act • Other provinces and local jurisdictions
have their own standards
Fire Door Inspection - Background
• Once a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, the building code is closed. The National Fire Code of Canada or the version in force provincially is now in effect for the operation and maintenance of the facility.
• The NFCC contains specific requirements for fire door inspection and maintenance but does not specify record keeping requirements (see 2.2.2.4)
Fire Door Inspection Background
• Once a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) has been issued, the building code is closed.
• The National Fire Code or Life Safety Code is now in effect for the operation and maintenance of the facility.
• Formerly, the NFC did not contain – language for post-occupancy – inspection of fire-rated doors.
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2 Closures • 2.2.2.1 – Openings in Fire
Separations – 1) Openings in fire separations shall be
protected with closures in conformance with the NBC
– 2) Where closures in fire separations are replaced, the replacements shall be in conformance with the NBC
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.2 – Damage to Closures – 1) Where closures are damaged so as to
affect the integrity of their fire-protection rating, such damaged closures shall be repaired so that the integrity of the closures is maintained in conformance with Article 2.2.2.1
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.4 – Inspection & Maintenance – 1) Defects that interfere with the operation
of closures in fire separations shall be corrected, and such closures shall be maintained to ensure that they are operable at all times by……….
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.4 1) – Inspection & Maintenance – a) keeping fusible links and other heat-
actuated devices undamaged and free of paint or dirt
– b) keeping guides bearings, and stay rolls clean and lubricated.
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.4 1) – Inspection & Maintenance – c) making necessary adjustments and
repairs of door hardware and accessories to ensure proper closing and latching, and
– d) repairing or replacing inoperative parts of hold-open devices and automatic releasing devices.
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.4 2) – Inspection & Maintenance
• Doors in fire separations shall be inspected at intervals not greater than 24 h to ensure that they remain closed unless the door is equipped with a hold-open device conforming the NBC.
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.4 3) – Inspection & Maintenance
• Doors in fire separations shall be operated at intervals not greater than one month to ensure that they are properly maintained in accordance with Sentence (1) as specified in the fire safety plan prepared in accordance with Section 2.8.
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.4 4) – Inspection & Maintenance
• Closures in fire separations shall not be obstructed, blocked, wedged open or altered in any way that would prevent the intended operation of a closure
National Fire Code of Canada
• 2.2.2.4 5) – Inspection & Maintenance
• Fire dampers and fire stop flaps shall be inspected at intervals not greater than 12 months to ensure that they are in place and are not obviously damaged or obstructed.
NFPA 80 – Chapter 4 • What Modifications Can Be Done in
the Field? (By a licensed shop) – Function Holes for Mortise Locks/Latches – Holes for Labeled Door Viewers – Round Holes for Surface Applied Hardware
(up to 1” in Diameter) • Throughbolts
– Wood/Composite Doors Trimmed to Maximum 3/4” Undercutting
– [4.1.3.2, 4.1.3.3 and 4.1.3.4]
NFPA 80 - Chapter 4
• Field Modifications that cannot be done in the field
• Doors – No Vision Panel Cut Outs – No Louver Cut Outs – No Mortise Lock Pockets – No Face or Edge Bores for Bored Locks – No Mortise Hinge Preparations
• Frames – No Mortise Hinge Preparations – No Cut Outs
NFPA 80 – Chapter 4
• Clearances Under Doors
– Swinging Doors with Builders Hardware • Maximum Clearance of 3/4” Under Door Bottom
[4.8.4.1]
Fire Resistance Classifications
• Hourly Ratings
– 1/3 = 20-Minutes – 3/4 = 45-Minutes – 1 = 60-Minutes (Wood Doors) – 1-1/2 = 90-Minutes – 3 = 180-Minutes – Note: This information is listed under Annex D “Fire
Doors and Fire Window Classifications.” – The hourly designation indicates duration of the – fire test exposure ; known as the fire protection
rating.
Fire Resistance Classifications
• Class A – 180 Minutes • Class B – 60 and 90 Minutes • Class C – 45 Minutes • Class D – 90 Minutes (Exterior) • Class E – 45 Minutes (Exterior) • ---------- -- 20 Minute • Note: Alphabetical letter designation –
one method for classifying the opening.
NFPA 80 – Chapter 6
• Builders Hardware Consists of: – Hinges & Pivots – Door Bolts – Locks or Latches – Fire Exit Hardware (a.k.a. Exit Devices) – Door Closers – Protection Plates – Astragals – Gasketing
Over View of Door Hardware • Purpose
– Hang the Door
– Lock the Door
– Close the Door
– Protect the Door
• Application – Grade 1, 2 or 3
– Mechanical or Electromechanical Security
• Life & Fire Safety – Self Closing and Latching, Free Egress
• Barrier Free – Ease Of Operation • Climate and Environment Protection – Correct Product
Fire-Rated Openings
• Labels for fire doors with latching hardware have minimum latch throw dimensions
NFPA 80 – Chapter 4
• Glazing Material (Glass) in Fire Doors – Labeled Fire-Resistance Materials [4.4.1] – Installed in Labeled or Tested Frames
[4.4.3] – Permitted in 3 Hour Interior or 1-1/2 Hour
Exterior in Severe Fire Exposure -- Limited to 100 sq. in. as tested in accordance with NFPA 252 [4.4.4], Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.
Glazing in Doors
• Glazing can be categorized into three major groupings: – Fire-Rated Only (walls, transoms,
borrowed lights) – Safety/Impact Rated Only (non-fire rated
doors and other hazardous or security applications)
– Fire & Safety Rated (fire rated doors or any application deemed a hazardous location)
Glass Label (Permanent etching, per NFPA 80)
D – Door NT – Not Temperature Rise H – Hose Stream Tested
Product Name
UL File Number Minutes of Rating
Cat II – Safety Rating
Swinging Doors with Builders Hardware
Annual Inspection Requirements – NFPA 80
NFPA 80 2007
Standard for Fire Doors • Chapter 5 Care & Maintenance
• 5.1.1.2 The requirements of this
chapter shall apply to new and existing installations.
NFPA 80 2007 Standard for Fire Doors
• Chapter 5 Care & Maintenance
• 5.2.1* Fire door assemblies shall be inspected and tested not less than annually, and a written record of the inspection shall be signed and kept for inspection by the AHJ.
NFPA 80 2007 Standard for Fire Doors
• Chapter 5 Care & Maintenance
• 5.2.3.1 Functional testing of fire door and window assemblies shall be performed by individuals with knowledge and understanding of the operating components of the type of door being subject to testing.
Annual Inspection of Fire Door Assemblies
• What Do Inspectors Need to Know?
– Immense product application and installation knowledge • Hollow metal doors and frames • Wood fire doors • Builders Hardware Application
– Thorough understanding of NFPA 80 requirements – FDAI, AHC and/or CDC or approx. 5 years of industry
experience
Annual Inspection of Fire Door Assemblies
• Inspector’s Responsibilities
– Status of door openings on date of inspection
– Recommend necessary corrections – Providing written inspection reports
Annual Inspection of Fire Door Assemblies
• Inspectors Are Not Responsible For:
– Making sure openings are repaired – Determining the correct fire-rating of door
openings – Alert AHJ of problems
NFPA 80 2007
Standard for Fire Doors • Chapter 5 Care & Maintenance
• 5.2.2 Performance-Based Option • 5.2.2.1 As an alternate means of
compliance with 5.2.1, subject to the AHJ, fire door assemblies shall be permitted to be inspected, tested, and maintained under a written performance-based program.
NFPA 80 2007 Standard for Fire Doors
• Chapter 5 Care & Maintenance • 5.2.2 Performance-Based Option. • 5.2.2.2 Goals established under a
performance-based program shall provide assurance that the fire door assembly will perform its intended function when exposed to fire conditions.
• 5.2.2.3 Technical justification for inspection, testing, and maintenance intervals shall be documented.
NFPA 80 2007
Standard for Fire Doors
• Chapter 5 Care & Maintenance • 5.2.2 Performance-Based Option.
• 5.2.2.4 The performance-based
option shall include historical data acceptable to the AHJ.
Identifying Fire Door Assemblies
• Maintenance personnel–access to the ‘as built’ floor plans.
• AHJ’s office archived copies of floor plans
• No plans available–should physically check each door opening looking for labels.
Locating Fire Doors in Buildings
• Interior doors opening into and out of stairwells and corridors.
• Door openings placed at building separations.
• Identify fire labels on frame and hinge side of door.
Original Building, Fire and Life Safety Requirements
• Inspectors should be cognizant of the
building, fire and life safety codes that were applicable at the time of installation.
• Should not apply the capabilities, limitations and requirements for modern products to assemblies installed years ago.
• NFPA 80 standard is applicable to all existing fire door assemblies, regardless of when they where installed.
Cataloging Fire Doors
• Door Number (Code or Symbol) • Location of Assembly in Building • Type of Door Assembly • Fire-Protection Rating • Comments/Remarks
Three Main Operational Requirements
• Swinging Fire-Doors with Builders Hardware Must: – Swing Freely – Be self or automatic closing or power
operated – Positively latch when in the closed position.
NFPA 80 2007 Standard for Fire Doors
• 5.2.4.2 As a minimum, the following items shall be verified:
• No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces. • (2) Glazing, vision light frames, and glazing • beads are intact. • (3) The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and • noncombustible threshold are secured, • aligned, and in working order. • (4) No parts are missing or broken. • (5) Door clearances do not exceed • the clearances listed.
NFPA 80 2007 Standard for Fire Doors
• 5.2.4.2 As a minimum, the following items shall be verified: (6) The self-closing device is operational (7) If a coordinator is installed, the
inactive leaf closes before active leaf. (8) Latching hardware operates and
secures the door when it is in the closed position.
NFPA 80 2007 Standard for Fire Doors
• 5.2.4.2 As a minimum, the following items shall be verified: – (9) Auxiliary hardware items that interfere – or prohibit operation are not installed. – (10) No field modifications to the door – have been performed. – (11) Gasketing and edge seals are – inspected.
Summary
• Many swinging fire door assemblies can be: – Complicated. – Contain sophisticated hardware products. – These assemblies require an immense
level of expertise to coordinate their functions with their fire-protection properties.
Summary
• New fire-rated products are: – Continually being developed. – Requires inspectors to stay current
on their knowledge and understanding of these product’s applications, capabilities and limitations.
Annual Fire Door Assembly Inspection Program (AFDAIP)
• DAI 600 - Fire Door Assembly Inspection
• Fire Door Assembly Inspector (FDAI) • Intertek’s certification program for
FDAIs: – Certified Fire Door Inspector Program
FDAI Class Eligibility Requirements
• DHI Professional Consultants – Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHC) – Certified Door Consultants (CDC) – Electrified Hardware Consultants (EHC) – Architectural Openings Consultants (AOC)
• May register for the FDAI class
FDAI Class Eligibility Requirements
• Individuals who do not hold one of DHI’s Professional Certifications, must complete: – SSC100 – Fundamentals of Architectural
Doors and Hardware Self-Study Course – COR110 – Basic Architectural Hardware – COR115 – Hardware Applications – COR140 – Using Codes and Standards
• Prerequisites must be completed prior
to registering for the FDAI class
FDAI Class Overview
• Three day class – NFPA 80 requirements – Inspection guidelines – Owner’s responsibilities – AHJ’s responsibilities – Inspector’s responsibilities – Perform inspections – Document inspections – Four hour examination
FDAI Class Making the Grade
• Students must achieve a minimum score of 80.00%
• Upon passing DAI 600, students/inspectors will be eligible to enroll in Intertek’s certification program: – Certified Fire Door Inspector Program
Certification
– Intertek’s Certified Fire Door Inspector Program
– Through its Warnock Hersey Mark – Certify FDAIs – Authorize inspecting companies
More Information Contact:
– The Foundation or – Door and Hardware Institute
• Phone (703) 222-2010, Fax (703)222-2410
– Online at: – www.doorsecuritysafety.org – www.dhi.org
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